Monday, 13 March 2017

Merge VR opens the HoloCube by Merge to developer community

March 13, 2017 - Austin, TX | Merge VR has just announced at SXSW that the HoloCube by Merge SDK is open to developers worldwide. The HoloCube by Merge is positioned as a toy of the future that uses augmented reality technology, and allows users to hold and interact with holographic objects in ways not possible before.

“Holding a hologram in your hand, and being able to manipulate and interact with it is a powerful experience, and now the developer community has the opportunity to create anything they can imagine in this untapped space,” said Merge founder Franklin Lyons. “Developers can be the first to unlock the potential of the HoloCube.”

Developers are invited to apply for a free dev kit at https://dev.mergevr.com. Compatible applications must be built in Unity using Vuforia, and the Merge SDK will keep the process for creating interactive holographic experiences simple.

To experience this first-hand and get involved in the opportunity, Merge VR will be showcased at several events during SXSW. The company ran hands-on demos of the cube at AR/VR Austin 2017 Alternative Realities (March 11) and additional demos will be available during the SXSW Hackathon (March 14-15).

“We are creating the future of play, and we’re inviting the developer community to join us,” continued Lyons. “Allowing kids to touch, hold, and interact with holograms is memorable and inspirational. They’re the ones growing up with this technology - they will be the ones to harness its power and drive the evolution of toys of the future”

HoloCube by Merge is expected to retail for under £20 and be on store shelves this summer. Users can interact with holograms using their smartphones, or pair the cube with AR-capable mobile VR headsets like the Merge VR Goggles for a fully immersive experience.

About Merge VR

Founded in 2013, Merge Labs, Inc. is a virtual reality company focused on making VR fun and easy for all VR explorers, ages 10+. Products include the Merge VR Goggles, VR START (www.VRSTART.com), the Holo Cube, and a universal motion controller for mobile VR.